More Topics

Weather Forecast

Heloise

Primary tabs

Author Content

Dear Heloise: I really appreciated your column in the Orange County (Calif.) Register on carbon monoxide. I had carbon-monoxide poisoning in 2013, after being sick for one and a half to two years, with symptoms coming and going. I had seen 35 doctors in one year and gone to the emergency room so many times that I couldn't keep count. I was told I had anxiety and that was why my heart was racing out of nowhere. I finally tried alternative medicine, and I was told that I had too much gas in my body.

Dear Heloise: My neighbor's dog loves to use the sidewalk in my yard for a bathroom. Do you know of something I can spray on the sidewalk to discourage this behavior? -- Margie in Ohio Start with washing the sidewalk with hot, soapy water. Rinse well and let dry. Then generously spray an enzyme-based pet-odor neutralizer on the sidewalk. The dog may keep coming back to that spot because of the smell, but if you remove the smell, it may take care of the problem. But you may need to wash and spray it often.

Dear Heloise: Please run an article about bedsheets. I am told that most have formaldehyde in the fabric -- except organic sheets. And wrinkle-free have the highest percentage of formaldehyde. Any hints? -- A reader, via email Yes, I have hints! Don't fret too much. You are not sleeping on a time bomb of formaldehyde! The component that helps keep fabrics wrinkle-free may contain a small amount of formaldehyde.

Dear Readers: Here is this week's Sound Off, about to-go cups: "My Sound Off is when I go through a fast-food drive-thru and I am handed a cup that is dripping. I know some places do wipe down the cup before handing it to a patron. I wish they all would do that." -- A.R., via email This can be a bother, and sure can make a mess on you and your auto! -- Heloise FAST FACTS Dear Readers: Here are other uses for clean cereal bags: • Place cookies on one to cool after cooking. • Use to crush crackers, etc. • Freeze leftovers in them.

Dear Heloise: My neighbor's dog loves to use the sidewalk in my yard for a bathroom. Do you know of something I can spray on the sidewalk to discourage this behavior? -- Margie in Ohio Start with washing the sidewalk with hot, soapy water. Rinse well and let dry. Then generously spray an enzyme-based pet-odor neutralizer on the sidewalk. The dog may keep coming back to that spot because of the smell, but if you remove the smell, it may take care of the problem. But you may need to wash and spray it often.

Dear Heloise: I really appreciated your column in the Orange County (Calif.) Register on carbon monoxide. I had carbon-monoxide poisoning in 2013, after being sick for one and a half to two years, with symptoms coming and going. I had seen 35 doctors in one year and gone to the emergency room so many times that I couldn't keep count. I was told I had anxiety and that was why my heart was racing out of nowhere. I finally tried alternative medicine, and I was told that I had too much gas in my body.

Dear Heloise: I've seen the hints about removing or at least alleviating carpet indentations before, but I cannot find the clipping I saved. Would you please re-address this in your column? -- Lynne A., via email This is a frequently asked question, and there are a couple of things you can try: • Put an ice cube in each indentation. As it melts, use your fingers to pull up the carpet fibers. You even can use a comb (gently) to help the fibers stand back up. • Add warm water to a spray bottle and use it to dampen the carpet indentations.

Dear Readers: Have your kids been asking to go to a SUMMER CAMP? Summer camps can be great experiences for kids. They can try new things, make new friends and create memories to last a lifetime. Here are some things to think about when choosing a camp: First, pick which type of camp you want to send your child to -- a sleep-away camp, day camp, specialty camp, etc. There are many to choose from. Once you have narrowed down your choices, look into whether the camp is licensed or accredited. There are different standards for each. Ask questions! What training does the staff have?

Dear Heloise: I read your column every morning in the Kerrville (Texas) Daily Times. Help! I'm in the doghouse! I set a glass on my wife's nice furniture, and it left a ring. How do I get it off? -- Jack M. in Texas Don't move into the doghouse just yet, Jack! Here is the updated Heloise Hint for removing rings on furniture: Start by getting non-gel toothpaste. Mix a small amount of the toothpaste with some baking soda. Rub this mixture into the ring, making sure you rub in the direction of the grain of the furniture. Be prepared, because this takes time and patience to work.

Dear Heloise: In several recipes, it says to let the meat sit for 10 to 20 minutes before carving or serving. My question is: Before serving, are you supposed to once again put the meat back in the oven to warm up, or serve it at room temperature? -- Linda S., via email No, you do not put the meat back in the oven or on the grill after it has rested, because it stays warm during this time as long as you don't cut into it. Cooking meat causes the juices to go toward the center. By resting the meat, you are letting the juices redistribute throughout the meat again.